William F. Fred Col. Copeland

Colonel William F. Fred Copeland, USAR Retired, was born May 14, 1938 to Adelaide C. and William Earl Copeland in San Antonio, Texas. Fred went to be with the Lord on September 1, 2011 surrounded by his family. Fred was a graduate of Alamo Heights High School, Trinity University, U.S. Army Infantry School, and U.S. Army Command and General Staff College. Fred served his country for over 37 years in the Active Army and U.S. Army Reserves. He was a strong supporter of Religious Freedom and 2nd Amendment Rights.

He was an award winning competitive shooter both in the Army and as a civilian. At 11 years old he was the National All Gauge Sub-Junior Class B Champion in Skeet. He was a member of the National Rifle Association, and Reserve Officers Association. Fred was a faithful member of Oak Ridge Baptist Church where he served on committees as he was able.

Fred is preceded in death by his father and his grandson, Daniel Beaty. He is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Norma Lee Wallace Copeland and his daughters and their husbands, Lisa Marie and Raymond House of San Antonio and Pamela Anne and Jimmie Trimble of Wall, Texas, his grandchildren, Sarah Beaty, Mikayla House, Timothy Beaty and Korey House. He is also survived by his mother, Adelaide C. Copeland, brother, James N. Copeland and wife Jean, and sister Connie E. Booth and husband Bryan and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews and a host of great friends.

During his civilian life, Fred was involved in the Wholesale Hardware and Sporting Goods business where he served in every capacity from order filler in the warehouse to President and CEO of Van Hoogenhuyze Wholesale Hardware Co. He served as a Charter member of the Winchester Distributor Advisory Council, was an active rancher, an avid fisherman and outdoorsman, and a holder of a US Patent for a unique hunting blind. He was a professional guide for both trophy bass and trophy deer for several years. He was a 16-year survivor of pancreatic cancer and served as an inspiration to many who were fighting cancers of all kinds.

He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, son, brother and friend and he will be missed by many.

The family will receive friends and family on Thursday, September 8, 2011 from 7:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M.

GRAVESIDE SERVICE

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2011

9:30 A.M.

FORT SAM HOUSTON NATIONAL CEMETERY

1520 HARRY WURZBACH

Rev. Bill Shockley of Oak Ridge Baptist Church will officiate. Interment with Full Military Honors will follow in Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the South Texas Children's Home, P.O. Box 1210, Beeville, TX 78104-1210, VITAS Hospice of San Antonio or the charity of your choice.

A special thanks for all the years of care go to Dr. Steven Kalter, Dr. Keith Eyre, Dr. Richard Lochte, Monica , Judy and Ginger, Dr. Wesley Stamps, Dr. Werner Kiesling, the START Center, our VITAS nurse, Rose, the VITAS Inpatient Staff, and to the prayer warriors of many faiths who prayed for him especially these last few months. The Lord giveth and taketh away. Blessed be the name of the Lord.